As a former Concord educator, I strongly support the efforts of our staff, board and administration as they prepare our students for the future. Doing so today has become increasingly more difficult due to property tax caps instituted in 2008.

The Concord Community Schools have already lost over $10 million of their funding over the past three years and are projected to lose another $4.2 million in 2014. The enrollment at Concord continues to escalate, gaining over 600 additional students since the 2005-2006 school year. Although the student growth is very positive for the district, it is also very challenging to continue to provide the same quality services for students when your funds are being drastically reduced, creating a financial crisis not of their own making.

Although the intended purpose of the tax caps was to provide some relief for property owners across the state, it did not impact all school districts in the same manner. Concord Community Schools has been and will continue to be severely impacted without relief, and it will not be able to continue providing the level of services parents and patrons have come to expect.

The Concord Board of School Trustees has chosen to seek relief through a referendum on the ballot at the May 6 primary election. A successful vote is critical to the survival of the Concord school district. Should this referendum not pass, it will have a devastating impact and the Concord schools will look significantly different in the next few years.

Our board and administration have worked hard over the years to provide and maintain quality educational experiences for all students. Our staff is dedicated to work with and help the youth of our community develop to their highest potential. Please support this referendum at the polls May 6.